Microsurgical anastomosis using anterior versus posterior tibial artery in lower limb free tissue transfer.

Background: Soft tissue lower limb reconstruction often requires free tissue transfer. We investigated whether the target vessels used for micro-vascular anastomosis in the lower limb influences microsurgical outcomes.

Methods: Data from Plastic Surgery Departments of a major tertiary hospital in the United Kingdom (Leeds General Infirmary, LGI) and Australia (Princess Alexandra Hospital, PAH) were retrospectively analysed.

Accreditation of advanced clinical practice of musculoskeletal physiotherapy in England: a qualitative two-phase study to inform implementation.

Objectives: To establish whether international musculoskeletal physiotherapy educational standards and associated governance framework align with advanced clinical practice (ACP) frameworks in England; and to evaluate physiotherapy stakeholders' perceptions about potential accreditation and governance of ACP for musculoskeletal physiotherapists.

Design: A qualitative two-phase study. 1] An explicit documentary mapping process of established international educational musculoskeletal standards to the ACP frameworks for England, in terms of domains, standards and competencies by two independent reviewers.

Diagnostic utility of patient history, clinical examination and screening tool data to identify neuropathic pain in low back-related leg pain: protocol for a systematic review.

Introduction: Neuropathic low back-related leg pain (LBLP) can be a challenge to healthcare providers to diagnose and treat. Accurate diagnosis of neuropathic pain is fundamental to ensure appropriate intervention is given. However, to date there is no gold standard to diagnose neuropathic LBLP.

Non-medical prescribing in the United Kingdom National Health Service: A systematic policy review.

Introduction: Non-medical prescribing was introduced into the United Kingdom (UK) to improve patient care, through extending healthcare professionals' roles. More recent government health service policy focuses on the increased demand and the need for efficiency. This systematic policy review aimed to describe any changes in government policy position and the role that non-medical prescribing plays in healthcare provision.

Perceptions of Australian physiotherapy students about the potential implementation of physiotherapist prescribing in Australia: a national survey.

Objectives: To explore the perceptions of Australian physiotherapy students about (1) the potential implementation and use of non-medical prescribing by physiotherapists in Australia and (2) how physiotherapist prescribing might impact the care that the physiotherapy profession can provide in the future.

Design: A cross-sectional descriptive survey of physiotherapy students across Australia was completed using an online questionnaire developed by subject-experts and pretested (n=10) for internal consistency. A hyperlink to the questionnaire was emailed to all students enrolled in any accredited, entry-level Australian university physiotherapy programme.

Perceptions about the implementation of physiotherapist prescribing in Australia: a national survey of Australian physiotherapists.

Objectives: To explore: (1) the views of Australian physiotherapists regarding potential implementation of non-medical prescribing in Australia, (2) how the geographical location and health sector in which a clinician works may influence their perceptions and (3) the perceptions of Australian physiotherapists about how physiotherapist prescribing might impact the care that the profession can provide.

Design: A cross-sectional descriptive survey using open and closed questions.

Setting: Participants completed an online questionnaire.

Independent prescribing by advanced physiotherapists for patients with low back pain in primary care: protocol for a feasibility trial with an embedded qualitative component.

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition in the UK. Guidelines advocate a multimodal approach, including prescription of medications. Advanced physiotherapy practitioners (APPs) are well placed to provide this care in primary care.

Facilitators and barriers to non-medical prescribing - A systematic review and thematic synthesis.

Introduction: Non-medical prescribing has the potential to deliver innovative healthcare within limited finances. However, uptake has been slow, and a proportion of non-medical prescribers do not use the qualification. This systematic review aimed to describe the facilitators and barriers to non-medical prescribing in the United Kingdom.

Managing soft tissues in severe lower limb trauma in an ageing population.

Purpose: With an ageing population, the incidence of trauma in those aged over 65 years is increasing. Strategies for dealing with these patients must be developed. At present the standard management of open tibial fractures in the UK is described by the BOAST4 guidelines (from the British Orthopaedic Association and British Association of Plastic & Aesthetic Surgeons).

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of non-medical prescribing: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of non-medical prescribing (NMP).

Design: Systematic review. Two reviewers independently completed searches, eligibility assessment and assessment of risk of bias.

Barriers to and facilitators of independent non-medical prescribing in clinical practice: a mixed-methods systematic review.

Question: What are the factors that affect the implementation or utilisation of independent non-medical prescribing (iNMP)?

Design: Mixed-methods systematic review. Two reviewers independently completed searches, eligibility and quality assessments.

Data Sources: Pre-defined search terms were utilised to search electronic databases.

Surgical technique for the delayed removal of superglue from the male urethra.

The insertion of foreign bodies into the male urethra is not an uncommon urological presentation. Superglue is a material that can potentially cause significant complications if instilled into the urethra. We describe a successful case of delayed (six months) removal of superglue from a 39 year old male's urethra having failed to remove the material at initial presentation.